WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world. It allows users to exchange text messages, voice and video calls, as well as images and documents with ease.
However, the issue of privacy of personal data remains a concern for many users. In this article, learn how to limit access to your WhatsApp profile information by enabling a hidden feature.
What should I know about privacy settings on WhatsApp?
Before introducing you to the hidden feature that can enhance the protection of your personal information, it is important to understand the privacy settings available on the app. In effect, WhatsApp offers several options to manage access to your profile informationnotably :
- Your profile picture
- Your “Last seen” status
- Your account information
- Your current status
This information is visible by default to all users who have your phone number in their directory. However, you can choose to restrict their access to further protect your privacy.
Change your profile privacy settings
To change your profile privacy settings, follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone.
- Access the “Settings” or “Settings” of the application. This option is usually in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Select the “Account” option, then “Privacy”.
- You will then see different options to manage access to your personal information:
- Profile photo: You can choose who can see your profile photo, with the options “Everyone”, “My contacts” or “No one”.
- Last seen: You can also choose who can see the last time you were online on WhatsApp, with the same options as for the profile picture.
- Current Status: This option controls who can see your current status. You can choose among your contacts who will have access to this information.
- Modify the parameters according to your preferences and validate your choices by leaving the menu.
By customizing these settings, you are already significantly limiting access to your personal information.. However, a hidden feature takes your privacy even further.
Activate the hidden function to enhance the privacy of your profile
This little-known function is called ” Prevent new add requests from being received“. When enabled, it prevents people who are not in your contact list from sending you messages or adding you to chat groups. It limits access to your profile and strengthens the protection of your personal data..
How to activate this function?
To enable this hidden feature, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” or “Settings” of the WhatsApp application.
- Select the “Account” option, then “Privacy”.
- Scroll down to find the option “Prevent receiving new add requests” and enable it.
- Validate by leaving the menu.
Once enabled, this feature will prevent people who are not in your contact list from contacting you directly. They will then have to go through an intermediary to send you a message or invite you to join a discussion group.
What are the consequences of activating this function?
Enabling this feature has several advantagessuch as :
- The limitation of spam and unwanted messages,
- Protection against unintentional addition to newsgroups,
- Reducing the risk of disclosure of personal information.
However, it can also cause some complications, especially for users who frequently message new people or actively participate in chat groups. It is therefore essential to weigh the pros and cons before activating this hidden function.
In summary, WhatsApp offers several options to protect your personal information and limit access to your profile. It is crucial to configure these options correctly in order to preserve your privacy and avoid any risk of involuntary disclosure.. Do not hesitate to explore the different possibilities offered by the application and to activate the hidden function if you want to further strengthen the confidentiality of your profile.
